Local

Christmas 'Neath the Roan kicks off in Bakersville

The lights twinkled and glowed as the switch was flipped and Bakersville kicked off its holiday season on Saturday, Nov. 27. Bakersville Mayor Charles Vines, 2021 North Carolina Rhododendron Queen Taylor Lord and Junior Rhododendron Queen Alyssa Hemphill did the honors.

Story Trail gets final touches

Permanent book displays and audio stations are now in place at the Riverside Park Story Trail, serving as finishing touches to a project that started as a pilot in 2020 with humble cardboard signs and movable props.

County adopts outdoor rec plan

The Mitchell County Board of Commissioners during its regular meeting on Monday, Nov. 15 adopted the Mitchell County Outdoor Recreation Economy Strategic Plan.

A JOYFUL NOISE: Central Community Choir brings kids together

Rehearsal always begins the same way, just after 6 p.m. on Thursdays for the Central Community Children’s Choir. “Let’s all warm-up,” calls out director Rachel O’Reilly.

Trail of Lights will brighten up county for third year

The Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the third annual Mountain Christmas Trail of Lights starting Nov. 27 and invites the whole community to take part. The month-long event invites local business and home owners to decorate their properties with lights.

Officer body cams coming soon to Mitchell

Officers from the Mitchell County Sheriff’s Department will soon have body cameras thanks to a $23,053.32 grant from the North Carolina Governor’s Crime Commission. The road to bringing body cameras to Mitchell County started when Sheriff Donald Street observed current events in January 2020.

Local Chevy dealership under new ownership, management

New ownership and management has taken over the Chevrolet Dealership located at 36 Chevrolet Boulevard in the Grassy Creek Community of Spruce Pine.

Mitchell County to reap big benefits from newly passed state budget

North Carolina has a working budget for the first time in more than two years and Mitchell County will get $17,677,692 for improvements over the next two years.  Gov. Roy Cooper signed the budget into law on Thursday, Nov. 18.

Church, Rotary team up to address hunger issues

As Thanksgiving approaches and people turn their attention to family gatherings and meals, it’s also a time many people look for was to connect with their community and those in need.